San Martino in Campo between the Tiber, churches and Villa Donini

San Martino in Campo lies entirely on the alluvial plain and extends to the right bank of the Tiber River. The area stretches across the short distance from the river to the foothills and encompasses a series of historic landmarks. Thus, river landscape and cultural history come together within a compact geographical area – a combination you can specifically take into account when planning an individual trip through Umbria.

Early history and religious landmarks

The Pieve di San Martino in Campo is mentioned in a document issued by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa in 1163. Its foundation may even date back to the period between the 7th and 8th centuries. On January 10, 1701, during renovation work in the parish church, the fresco Madonna della Scala was discovered, depicting Mary with the infant Jesus. Celebrations for Madonna della Scala now take place on the third Sunday in May.

Churches, apse and castle

The Chiesa di San Martino in Campo was renovated during the episcopate of Gioacchino Pecci, between 1846 and 1878, based on a design by the architect Nazareno Biscarini. Its portico is reminiscent of 15th-century buildings, while the single-nave interior is designed in the 19th-century style. This makes it possible to observe different historical periods of design in a single building.

The present-day Chiesa della Madonnuccia is the surviving apse of the Oratorio della Madonnuccia. Due to structural damage, the oratory was demolished in 1815; only the apse was preserved. The oratory had existed since the mid-15th century and belonged to the brotherhood of the Disciplinati di San Martino in Campo between the 15th and 16th centuries. Just outside the town area, it preserves frescoes attributed to Andrea Aloigi (l’Ingegno), a painter of the Perugino school.

Next to the church, the remains of the Castello di San Martino in Campo are visible. In particular, the base of a defensive structure with a typically angled layout has been preserved. The Castello di San Martino in Campo can be dated to around 1382.

Villa Donini and regional cuisine

Villa Donini was built in 1760 by the Donini family as a country estate and hunting residence. The property is surrounded by a 22,000-square-metre park with centuries-old trees. Along an avenue stand five Etruscan ash urns dating from the 3rd century BC.

Regional food culture is also among the features that characterize San Martino in Campo. From August 28 to September 6, 2026, the town will be associated with the Sagra della Scartocciatura e dei Prodotti Tipici Locali. The festival offers a menu of dishes connected with Umbria’s culinary tradition. For cycling enthusiasts, San Martino in Campo is reached on a tourist route at approximately kilometre 23.5; at the roundabout, the route leads right towards Forgiano.

More destinations for comparison

For further comparison, you can also view San Marco, Bastia Umbra, Colfiorito, Bevagna, Vallo Di Nera, Tordibetto, Gaglietole and Pian di San Martino .

To the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.